Engine Mods Outrageous Builds, High-Horsepower Modifications, strokers, and big cams for the Corvette

Besides 36 base HP, Diff. Between LS2 and LS3

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 06:49 AM
  #1  
VetteNewby's Avatar
VetteNewby
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 89
Likes: 11
Default Besides 36 base HP, Diff. Between LS2 and LS3

I know there are a lot of threads discussing the difference between the LS2 and LS3. Besides the 36 base HP difference, and the .2 of displacement, what if any are the other major differences. I'm looking to buy a C6 and was thinking I wanted the LS3, but after seeing so many LS2's putting down the same or higher HP with the right mods, I'm wondering if I really need to retain myself to only looking for a LS3!!
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 07:19 AM
  #2  
JerriVette's Avatar
JerriVette
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,066
Likes: 4,149
From: Bergen county NJ
Default

The steering wheel spokes and center console, the steering feel is improved on the ls3....and maybe the transmission code on the manual was different...

The price differential between an 08 and an 07 is minimal...

When I bought my 2008 c6 z51 manual back in nov of 2007 I could have saved five grand picking up the same color car, same options for about 5 grand less...

Sometimes it's not about the money....

But if your buying used and money is an issue...then by all means get the ls2 corvette...it's an amazing vehicle...

Besides if you really care about a few hp...you can always supercharge your ls2 to run right along with the c7 z06 for about 6 grand...

I prefer nearly stock vehicles with either engine...nearly stock run for many many miles...

I've got a 107k miles on my 2008 m6 z51 with nPP exhaust and just a few small mods over the years. I've owned it since new...this car has been utterly reliable and clearly the most reliable car I've owned over the past 40 years...

Fun fast good looking and reliable as well as inexpensive to maintain...

Just a great car...

For the money saved? I'd still suggest an LS3 z51 ....but the ls2 model is good too....

Just make sure to get the color car you want....and the transmission too...

Remember asking price versus selling price is two different things...
Reply
Old Apr 20, 2017 | 07:28 AM
  #3  
JerriVette's Avatar
JerriVette
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 16,066
Likes: 4,149
From: Bergen county NJ
Default

Btw I'd recommend a higher mileage car for less money...they do not deteriorate like German cars with usage.....

Seriously if I were buying today a preowned corvette...I'd look more at the seller and his balance on using his sports car....than I would at mileage....and I'd pay less if I were buying a preowned car...

Those garage queens suck..the seals dry out....I'd rather spend less and get a car that was driven...

Jmo...I'm not a fan of garage queens.....and I sure as hell don't want to pay extra for it...

I have no intention of selling my corvette as it's been that reliable....and I expect it to run to 250k miles without much money thrown at it...

I'll sell it before then I'm sure....but the prices are so low...why even bother to sell other than I only have a two car garage..

My point is I wouldn't be afraid of mileage on these cars...they are not German ticking time bombs....

The corvettes are like the energizer bunny....they just keep running...

Ls2 or LS3 are fine powerplants.
Reply
Old Apr 28, 2017 | 12:16 PM
  #4  
ChevyCam's Avatar
ChevyCam
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Default

Picked up a 05 3LT with 80k for a song. Wouldnt think twice if I had to do it again after driving it home.

LS2 is a great platform and Corvettes are meant to be driven.

I'd look for the car that has your desired color, interior, transmission and feature package.

Good luck!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Besides 36 base HP, Diff. Between LS2 and LS3





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:55 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE